Colchester's JMW Motorsport claimed a memorable victory at the world-famous Le Mans 24 Hour race in France.

The team, which is based in Marks Tey, roared to a famous win in their Ferrari 488, in what is regarded as the most important race in the world calendar.

JMW Motorsport were first overall in the GTE AM class, having been fastest over the gruelling 333-lap event.

The car, which was especially built for the LM Series, was brand new for the race which saw 60 teams divided into four classes.

The JMW Motorsport team was headed up by general manager Jim McWhirter, team manager Steve Hagger and head mechanic Davey Nicholas.

They competed with a new car and two new drivers at the event, held this year in La Sarthe.

Maldon’s Rob Smith was joined by Dries Vanthoor and Will Stevens, who has raced 20 Formula One Grands Prix for Manor Marussia and finished second in LM P2 last year with G-Drive Racing (Oreca 05 Nissan).

Weeley-based Greenspeed Autostylists, owned by brothers Alan and Martin Green, carried out all bodywork and paintwork for JMW Motorsport along with Tendring firm Funkee Fish, who supply and fit all car graphics.

Alan said: “Having worked with JMW Motorsport since 2009 we are all very proud to be part of a well-respected team within the Le Mans Series.

“After just missing out on a Series win in 2016, this is a well-deserved win.”

The team and car have returned to the UK with their trophies, which will be displayed at Lancaster Ferrari Colchester this weekend.